Self-interest is referred to as egocentrism, the practice of individuals taking advantage of opportunities. People with self-interest always center on personal welfare without any regard for others. People should stop self-interest in a society because it promotes egoism and a lack of social accountability to societal problems. Existence of such behavior in society shows a lack of legitimacy.
Nonetheless, it has a huge potential source of conflict (Barry & Shaw, 2013, p2). For instance, leaders who are opportunist, promote poor leadership agendas, such as fraud and discrimination. This paper looks at self-interest, discrimination and analyses situations when it might be acceptable.
Discrimination and self-interest can cause dissension within a society. Such conflicts arise when societal interests are conflicting, as opposed to opportunism. Public interest commonly connects members of the society. Most societies advocate for democracy to promote unity and well-being of its members.
Societies will always try to assist its members, and this is only possible whenever people abscond from personal interests (Walgrave, 2013, p10).
There are always conflicts of self-interest that exist through positive values within a society. A continuation of both is a threat to resources that might land into the hands of few jargons. Leaders of the society should step up their aggressiveness and oppose such attempts.
In fact, they should stipulate disciplinary action towards individuals who maintain such malevolent acts. This is only possible after a series of trainings and awareness programs that take place (Barry & Shaw, 2013, pp15-21).
Discrimination
Discrimination is an unfair and immoral behavior in relation to an individual or group of people. It is a form of prejudice where one treats others unjustly basing his or her reasons on certain differential factors. Despite the act known to many as negative traits, people, at times, accept discrimination because of some unavoidable circumstances. This means that discrimination may be condemned but to a certain extent.
In many instances, people choose discrimination, however, despite the negative perceptions many have no other way. A problem may be difficult to fathom, not unless there is selective discrimination which illustrates limited understanding (Walgrave, 2013, p12).
Discrimination acceptance in a society depends on its extent and some fundamental facts. For instance, it may be the only solution to solve a situation. In most cases, people apply the principle of first come first served.
This is a general phrase when available resources are not enough for the whole crowd. It is prudent to victimize other people based on facts that limit their circumstances. It is unempirical, as it avoids opportunities (Barry & Shaw, 2013, p5).
Advantages and disadvantages of discrimination can best be understood using two case scenarios where there is discrimination in one of the cases and no discrimination in the other. Merit discrimination is the main example. It is a parameter to discriminate less fortunate people, and is one of most advantaged gains.
For example, job interviews always analyze many facts, leaving a part ineligible while a few with best qualifications succeeded. Discrimination, in this case, helps companies to get the best, as it imposes a challenge to others to work harder to achieve such slots (Walgrave, 2013, pp 15-16).
On the contrary, some people view discrimination as a societal immortal value. Prejudice promotes egomania and unequal treatment within a society. It worsens when it clinches on to the religion and race. Racial discrimination edges people out from an origin while others gain enormously.
This promotes mistrust amongst individuals who reside together, revoking hate and violence. Spiritual faiths and doctrines seriously teach against discrimination, setting proper civilized course (Walgrave, 2013, p17).
In conclusion, self-interest and discrimination, rarely serve the general good of the society; as a result, people should discern from the practice. Individuals should be more vigilant to engage evil practices that are undesirable. This calls for adequate responsibility and collaboration between leaders and members who often socially relate in a society.
References
Barry, V. & Shaw, W. (2013). Moral Issues in Business (12th Ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning Publishing.
Walgrave, L. (2013). Restorative Justice, Self-interest Responsible Citizenship. New York, NY: Willan.